reconstructive memory Flashcards
what is reconstructive memory?
Retrieval of stored memories is an active process of RECONSTRUCTION
- Memory does not work like a video recording, memories of an event are often incomplete, we only recall the important points.
- In the absence of all info, we fill in gaps to make more sense of what happened using schemas (stored knowledge of objects and situations based on experiences.)
- Memories are a combination of specific info encoded at the time of the event, along with our stored knowledge, expectations, beliefs and experiences of the event.
what are schemas?
a packet of knowledge about an event, person, place that influences how we perceive and remember
how are our schemas formed?
our schemas are formed throughout our lives through experiences
assimilation
sometimes we assimilate new information - we change our schemas to fit what we have learned
accomodation
sometimes we accommodate new information - changing our memories to keep our schemas intact and unchanged
levelling
Levelling → removing/downplaying details from the memory.
sharpening
Sharpening → adding or exaggerating details.
what if confabulation?
When we cannot remember the details of a memory out schemas fill it in for us based on out familiar previous concepts and experiences.
what is rationalisation?
When we add details into our recall to give a reason for something that may not have originally fitted with a schema
what is a strength of bartlett’s reconstructive memory? (supporting evidence)
P: A strength is that it has supporting, research evidence.
E: For example, in his study of ‘The War of the Ghosts’ Bartlett found that there were changes in the story as participants recalled it…
T: This supports Bartlett’s theory that memory is a reconstruction of past events whereby fragments of stored information are reassembled during recall, so the theory is valid
what is a weakness of bartlett’s reconstructive memory? (competing evidence)
P - A weakness of the theory is that is supported by research which has a low scientific status.
E - For example, there was inconsistency in the amount of time participants had between reading and reproducting the story (month, year, etc.), not the same for all participants. Data was interpreted by Bartlett alone, so measurement of amount of confabulation and length of story could’ve been biased.
T -This means the theory may be low in validity because it would be hard to replicate the results and they may be biased.
what is a strength of bartlett’s reconstructive memory? (application)
P - A strength of Bartlett’s explanation of reconstructive memory is that it has real life application it can be used to explain problems that occur with eyewitness testimony (EWT)
E - Because Bartlett’s research showed memory recall is affected by our schemas so witnesses do not always recall accurately.
T - Therefore the theory is useful as convictions are now not based on EWT alone as it isn’t trustworthy.
what is a weakness of bartlett’s reconstructive memory?
P - It may not be valid to say all memories are affected by schemas or are inaccurate.
E - Studies have shown that memory can be very accurate. For example, in situations that are personally important/distinctive, we do remember a considerable and accurate amount of detail.
T - This shows that people may not always actively reconstruct memories, or when they do these reconstructions can be highly accurate and relatively unaffected by schemas.
